Heart Choices: Wednesday's Walk ~ Iva -->

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Wednesday's Walk ~ Iva



I look forward to Wednesday's because I get to participate in Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane. Lynnette hosts this meme on her blog called Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground. You can link there to find other Wednesday posts.

Today I have a few memories I'd like to share about Iva. I first met Iva when she was about 14 years old. She was raised by her grandmother, Ruth. I was volunteering in the Homebound Ministry at my church and I was assigned to visit Ruth so of course, I met Iva. I'll have to save my memories of Ruth for another post.

This photo was taken several years ago of Ruth and Iva.
I had the opportunity to take Ruth to church each Sunday. And Iva got to attend also. I remember the first day I took her to her Bible study class with others her age. I felt like a mother who didn't want to leave her child. She didn't know anyone and I was so concerned she would feel left out.

But Iva actually went to summer camp with the church teens in California. Ruth and I were just about crying as we waved to Iva. When she returned, we were so glad she had made a friend at camp. Yay!

Iva and I even got to go to Santa Monica, California together! She had never been to the ocean in her life and when I asked her what she wanted to do she said ..."let's jump in the ocean!"

Well, as many of you know the Pacific Ocean is cold, especially for an Arizona girl. But I didn't want to disappoint Iva ...so we put our bathing suits on and jumped in the ocean.

I can't tell you how much fun that was; to see the delight on Iva's face. I may have been shivering but after a while, I couldn't care less. This was such a special time for us.

One thing that was very important to Iva's grandmother was that she graduate from high school. And she did! Here's a photo of the two of us at her high school graduation. Unfortunately, Ruth didn't live long enough to see this day but I was so glad to be a part of the celebration.

This photo was taken on Iva's 18th birthday. We went to the Diamondback's game and had great seats. We even ate at Friday's which is located overlooking the baseball stadium before the game.

I was so proud of Iva when she got her first apartment on her own. She got a good job with a bank and continues to work there today. She even got her driver's license; something she's wanted for a long time. I know her grandmother would be so proud of her!

And take a look at this little angel face. This is Kaylie Hope, Iva's little girl who is a year old. I just wish Ruth had lived to see her great granddaughter.

I haven't seen Iva much lately because of my work but we are going to plan a reunion. But I wanted to record a few of my special memories of a very special relationship that ...continues to this day.

Iva celebrated her birthday yesterday, July 20th.

Happy Birthday Iva!

I love you lots!

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Debbie Petras
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15 comments:

  1. Iva is blessed to have a friend like you.

    And you were blessed to be with her when she experienced things for the first time,...like the ocean,...and the successful completion of high school,...and camp and getting a job etc.

    She has a cute baby girl, and I am sure that she is happier than ever now that she is a mommy. You made a difference in her life!!!! Bravo!

    May God continue to use you to be a help and a blessing to Iva.

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

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  2. What a wonderful walk of memories..

    You really are a blessing and how wonderful to have such a special relationship.

    Here's to many more blessings through the lives you continue to touch!

    Blessings & Aloha!

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  3. Ok, why is every post making me cry today? This is just precious!

    I love ya, Debbie....how do I do that network blog follow along? I'm gonna try again but I've tried a few times and apparently it's too much for my brain right now? Are you smiling?

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  4. This is sweet and I am sure you meant a lot to her as well. Hugs.

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  5. So sweet Debbie. I love your memories of your friends/family. You speak of them so positively and I can hear in your words how much you miss the times you had and how much they meant to you, how much THEY mean to you. She's beautiful and I hope your reunion comes soon.~

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  6. What a wonderful post full of memories and loving feelings. You are all so beautiful!!

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  7. That's such a sweet post. I'm sure you are very special to Iva, also!

    She has a cute little girl now and I'm sure she'll be sharing her memories with her.

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  8. Hi sweet friend, Such lovely memories-I know her grandmother would be so proud, and what a lucky girl to have you in her life.
    Hope you are well....
    love & hugs,
    Noreen

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  9. I enjoyed learning about Iva and the relationship you share. Your love for her is very evident. Enjoy your next get together.

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  10. oh, that's very nice:) true friends are always a treasure...doesn't matter the age, race and religion...It's really a great thing to know that you get along with everybody. You sure is a great friend, Debbie:)) what a wonderful memory to share:)

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  11. Debbie,

    I cried all the way through this. How absolutely precious. The Lord purposed for you and Ruth to meet so that she could put her precious grand daughter Iva into your care.

    I'm ALWAYS amazed -- NEVER CEASE to be amazed by how GOD does things. He is so awesome.

    The photos are beautiful and the love and relationship is even more beautiful.

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  12. "Let's jump in the ocean!" Sounds like a free spirit statement to me - I love it! ;)

    Sounds like Iva was very blessed to know you and you were very blessed to know her.

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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